Man Stabbed Ex To Death In East Harlem Apartment, D.A. Says

EAST HARLEM, NY — A Harlem man has been indicted on murder charges in the slaying of his ex-girlfriend Melanie Woods.

Candido Rodriguez, 51, was indicted on Tuesday in New York State Supreme Court with one count of second-degree murder.

Rodriguez viciously stabbed and killed Woods, his ex-girlfriend, in her East Harlem apartment in April, officials said.

"As alleged, Candido Rodriguez brutally murdered Melanie Woods, his ex-girlfriend, in her apartment after waiting for her to return from walking her dog," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said. "I send my deepest condolences to Ms. Woods’s family and friends as they continue to mourn her loss."

Prosecutors said Rodriguez entered Woods’s apartment building in the early morning of April 23 and waited for her to return from her daily, early morning dog walk.

Rodriguez allegedly sat and waited on the stairs between floors outside of her apartment, where they used to live together for nearly an hour before Woods returned.

It remains unclear how Rodriguez gained entry to the apartment, but shortly after 7:15 a.m., he allegedly brutally murdered Woods inside her residence, stabbing her nineteen times in the neck, torso, and leg.

At approximately 8:05 a.m., Rodriguez fled the apartment and was seen hailing a cab nearby, prosecutors said.

When initially questioned by police, Rodriguez told them he was sleeping that morning and had not been at Woods’ building, though he admitted they argued in the past about perceived infidelity, the Daily News reported.

“Ms. Woods’s life was tragically cut short, and my office will work to secure justice for her. If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, we urge you to call our helpline at 212-335-4308, where trained professionals can provide resources to help,” Bragg said.